Thursday, April 13, 2017

Silent? Open His Word to Hear

"Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strengthor the rich man boast of his riches,but let him who boasts boast about this:that he understands and knows me,that I am the Lord,who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth,for in these I delight," declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 9:23,24)

God is never silent. His Word is the answer for everything. When we guide ourselves with just intuitions or by the ways of the world, our lives turn onto a chaotic path of twists, turns and dead ends. "If you were lost in the woods, you'd be very thankful to find a compass in your pocket. Chances are you would not ignore its guidance by following your own hunch about which direction was north. Like a compass, Scripture provides sure guidance for the Christian life."

What we may depend on:

1] Our only comfort in times of trouble may be that we have done our duty, to know The Lord. The more we study the Bible, the more we learn about the Author. His Word never changes and will endure forever. When we know God, we see through the Scripture that He is knowable, welcoming, forgiving, just, righteous, creative, mysterious, promising, honest, true and everything we should trust in.

2] Our only strength in times of trouble may be that we trust in God to be all sufficient for us. Memorized Scripture is a balm to the anxious soul. When we trust that God will never forsake us, it invigorates the weary mind to have courage. Fear is crushed when you trust God with all your needs, rather than yourself. Silver and gold can't buy you all you need, but His grace is sufficient for everything.

3]Our only confidence in times of trouble may be that we have done our duty, to follow Jesus as his children. When we choose not to just be a fan of God, but to be a follower, we trust in His will for our lives above our own worldly desires. "Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it." (Luke 9:23-24) We follow Jesus by the choices we make that please Him, not the world. Also, our decisions are easier to make when we choose to please God first, help others second and put ourselves last.

A man's wisdom may fail him when he needs it most, a man's body will give out when it's exhausted all it's efforts, and a man's treasures may be stripped of him at any point in time so why do we boast of such unreliable things? Let us look to the One who never fails, who is all powerful, and who is merciful with His abundant grace. His guidance through His Word is not silent, but a treasure that's awaiting to reveal itself to you. The Book of John is a good place to start. As for myself, my 'wise' choices have led me down rocky paths, my strength has withered away and my worldly possessions have been sold off..so what do I have to boast about? Much! Much more now than when the world was my oyster! I can boast about how God is my guide, He is my strength through His grace and daily bread and His provisions for me overwhelm me. There is so much to praise Him for, I think it will take all of eternity!

Angie,What a marvelous blog. So true, so uplifting and I think for those who aren’t following him , a good reminder of where they stand and who they need to trust in. Again, I am amazed at the clarity and wisdom in your blog! It is a wonderful thing you are doing by writing them—you may never know who it convicts or convinces but I feel sure they are having an impact on many. Love,Mom

How grateful I am that I don't have to rely on my own strength, wisdom, knowledge, or understanding. Without the faith that God is in charge, it would be a pretty rotten and hopeless life that we live. As weak as I am at God-reliance, I still know and recognize that it is all of Him and none of me. Thanks for the wonderful reminder! Gloria

About Me

I am a Christian with a neuromuscular disease. Since 1997, I have had to use a scooter. I graduated from NIU w/a degree in microbiology in 1994. I am a retired lab technician. I enjoy blogging, shopping and eating out.